Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) has successfully concluded the development of the Sky Sword III air-to-air missile. Set to commence mass production in the upcoming year, this advanced missile marks a significant leap forward in Taiwan’s indigenous defense technology. The Sky Sword III boasts an impressive range spanning 120 to 150 kilometers, surpassing the capabilities of its predecessor, the Sky Sword II, while also exhibiting accelerated speeds. The Sky Sword II (Tien Chien II), or TC-2, is a Taiwanese beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. Development of the Sky Sword II family began during the 1990s. This development aims to equip Indigenous Defense Fighters (IDF) with a potent defense armament to counter the escalating military threats posed by neighboring China, as reported by Liberty Times. Anticipated to serve as the primary air superiority weapon for IDFs, the Sky Sword III stands as a pivotal response to the evolving regional security landscape.
Notably, the Sky Sword II, with its range of 60 kilometers and Mach 4 speed, has witnessed enhancements with an extended-range version capable of reaching 100 kilometers at a Mach 6 speed. NCSIST has further diversified its offerings with anti-radiation, surface-launched, and ship-launched variants. Recent updates from Taiwan’s military unveiled the successful progress of the surface-launched Sky Sword II system. Despite initial performance evaluations falling short of Army requirements in March, subsequent refinements led to a successful second-round evaluation in July, paving the way for large-scale production. With plans to deploy this air-defense system alongside the existing U.S.-made Avenger missile system, Taiwan aims to fortify its air defense framework, establishing a comprehensive “layered interception” strategy. This strategic amalgamation seeks to bridge existing air defense gaps and reinforce Taiwan’s readiness amidst the evolving geopolitical landscape in the region.
Moreover, the TC-2 variants – TC-2A and TC-2C – add versatility to Taiwan’s defense arsenal. The TC-2A, akin to the AGM-88 HARM, fulfills the need for an Anti-Radiation Missile for the ROCAF’s F-CK-1 aircraft. With a reported range of 100 km and a sophisticated passive radar seeker, this missile enhances Taiwan’s air-to-ground capabilities significantly. Meanwhile, the TC-2C, an upgraded air-to-air version, showcases incremental improvements such as an enhanced rocket motor enabling engagements at a range of 100 km and remarkable speeds in the Mach 6 range. This evolution promises heightened effectiveness in aerial engagements, bolstering Taiwan’s air defense strategies. Notably, the extended range version of the TC-2, recently ordered by the Air Force, reflects Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening its defensive capabilities. The land-based TC-2N, housed in a sealed container-launcher and demonstrated in a truck-mounted configuration with multiple missile pods, underscores Taiwan’s emphasis on versatile deployment options.
